Distractions are ever present on the road. Nevertheless, drivers have a duty to ignore distractions and pay attention to the road and other drivers. Distracted drivers are one of the most common causes of accidents and a major underlying reason for car accident injury claims.
If a distracted driver injured you, our car accident lawyer in Acworth will be your advocate. Jones & Swanson will help you file an injury claim against the responsible party for your medical bills, lost work income, and other injury-related losses.
To get started, schedule an appointment with our distracted driving accident lawyer in Acworth.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Help
Our Acworth personal injury lawyers will likely be an invaluable legal asset to you during the injury claim process. Our lawyers will gather evidence, organize your medical documentation, and handle all paperwork and filings. Most importantly, we will represent you in insurance negotiations and push back against insurer tactics.
If necessary, our lawyers from Jones & Swanson will pursue formal litigation in court. We will thoroughly explore every option to reach a satisfactory outcome for you.
Common Distractions While Driving
Distractions abound on the road, and there are several things that can draw a driver’s attention away from driving. Common distractions underlying accidents include:
- Using cellphones and handheld electronics
- Watching video or scrolling social media
- Adjusting mirrors and radio
- Eating or drinking
- Grooming and applying makeup
- Talking with passengers
- Bad weather or lighting
- Events outside of the vehicle
Taking their eyes off the road for even just a few seconds can significantly reduce reaction times, making drivers unable to avoid accidents.
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law
Georgia’s Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from holding or operating a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle. This means that drivers cannot read, write, or send text messages, emails, or social media posts. Drivers are also forbidden from watching videos while driving. Violations of this law can be met with a fine and license points.
This law is important, as violations can be proof of negligence. If applicable, your lawyer will use the record of a violation as evidence that the driver was distracted when they caused the accident and your injuries.
Financial Damages You Can Win
Our distracted driving accident lawyer in Acworth will assess your case and calculate the degree of your losses. Depending on the circumstances, you can pursue financial damages for the following:
- Medical bills. Covered medical bills include emergency medical expenses, hospitalization costs, surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitative therapy, and medical devices.
- Lost work income. You can claim the value of income you lost because of work absences. This includes regular pay, bonuses, tips, and commissions. You can also claim any reductions in your expected earning potential.
- Replacement services. A payment can include money to cover the cost of replacement household services, like childcare, housekeeping, or alternative transportation.
- Vehicle repair costs. Keep records of any expenses for repairing or replacing your vehicle so you can claim your losses.
- Pain and suffering. Georgia recognizes your right to non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and other psychological losses.
How Comparative Negligence Can Impact Your Award
If you were partially at fault for the accident, you don’t need to panic. You may still be able to claim money if you were partially responsible, thanks to Georgia’s comparative negligence laws. Under the state’s comparative negligence rule, any shared fault will reduce the amount of damages you receive.
You can still secure money, but it will be less than you would receive if you were blameless. For instance, a $100,000 payment with 20% fault will become $80,000. As long as you are less than 50% responsible, you can still file a claim for partial damages.
The Deadline to File a Lawsuit Against a Distracted Driver
Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury generally gives you two years to pursue financial damages for injuries after a distracted driving accident. That two-year timer starts counting from the injury date.
In some situations, such as if the injury victim is a minor, the filing deadline may be extended. Our lawyer can explain the specific deadline that applies to your case.
Two years is not a significant amount of time, especially when trying to build a strong car accident claim. You should start as early as possible to reduce the risks of payment delays or denials. Even minor delays can harm your case, so don’t wait to speak to our distracted driving accident lawyer in Acworth.
Contact Our Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Acworth
A single distracted driver can ruin your health and wellness. We believe you deserve a chance to hold liable parties accountable and reclaim your losses. Jones & Swanson will provide legal and moral support while you focus on healing and recovery.
Fill out our contact form or give us a call today to discuss your case with our Acworth distracted driving accident lawyer. We offer free consultations.
